First of all, CONGRATULATIONS, MEGHAN on completing your doctorate! Woo hoo for you! :-)
After years of hard work, you've earned something special to help celebrate, and it's wonderful that you are looking for something memorable for your entire family. Not to worry; Walt Disney World has plenty of ways for you to do so.
Have you ever considered taking a
Pirates & Pals Fireworks Voyage? Fun for the entire family, this was one of the highlights of our multi-generational trip last summer. Patch the Pirate is a hoot, and everyone will get to meet Captain Hook and Mr. Smee after enjoying some delicious drinks and desserts. You then set sail on Seven Seas Lagoon, where you'll enjoy a spectacular water view of Wishes nighttime spectacular. Upon returning "home", you may just be greeted by a certain lad from Never Land. So much fun!
Another treat may be to book a special meal such as
Cinderella's Royal Table. You're planning early enough to be able to secure an Advanced Dining Reservation for your August stay. Be sure to call at exactly the 180th day of check-in, and a Cast Member will help you book ADRs for up to a ten day stay. Call (407) WDW-DINE, and they'll even calculate your 180 day mark. They are truly purveyors of pixie dust.
You might also want to consider a very convenient, affordable way to commemorate this important event by booking a mini-photo session with
Disney FIne Art Photography & Video. Photographers are super-friendly and you get to leave the session with digital copies of your photos. Loved ours!
Send another question about these or anything else WDW, Meghan; we'd love to help you celebrate your triumph!